Mathematics for independence: From Spanish liberal exile to the Young American Republics (Q1969910)

The article discusses the dissemination of elementary Spanish mathematical textbooks through the German publisher Rudolph Ackermann in London to Latin American countries in the first half of the 19th century. Authors were liberal political refugees from the Spanish absolutist reaction, among them José de Urcullu and José Nuñez de Arenas. Even Simón Bolívar applauded in 1827 Ackermann's ``very laudable interest which you have taken in spreading throughout the new nations of America the works which serve for public education in our schools and for the enlightenment of the youth.'' (p. 322). Several of the textbooks were based on publications by Benito Bails, the most influential Spanish mathematician of the 18th century.